F1 -> GC (through marriage to USC)

[pprabhu]

I am currently on an F-1 visa in grad school. My husband (who is a US citizen) and I were married a couple weeks ago and will be filing I-485 and I-130 (and other appls) next week. My question is, when I get the EAD (I'm also filing I-765 for work authorization permit), can I legally quit school and start working? Do I need to be in school for the whole time until the I-485 and I-130 are completely processed and I get the GC?

Additionally, the Denver USCIS gives the work permit on the same day (if handed in person) - at least that's what their website says - does that mean I can quit as early as this week (when I have the EAD in hand)? If I am unable to get the EAD, my sister (who also went from F1 -> GC) says that as soon as I get the receipt of I-485 pending, I am legal to move to where my husband lives. Any input on the validity of her claim?

Thanks!

 

[jaxen]

You can quit school. You can also continue school with EAD!!
You can quit on the day you receive EAD or when you you receive the receipt notice for 485, whichever is earlier.
Your sister is right.

 

[pprabhu]

Originally posted by jaxen
you receive EAD or when you you receive the receipt notice for 485, whichever is earlier.

Thank you .. thank you .. thank you!!! You just made my day (or night in this case). They've stopped doing same-day EADs at the Denver office (the USCIS website is 5 months out of date) and now everything is sent to the National Benefits Center in Missouri. So the EAD will take the full 3 months. She said the receipt should arrive in 1-2 months .. I hope so!!

Thank you SOOOO much again!!